What is one tip for determining what to wear in an interview?
To help you dress your best for your next interview, we asked business professionals and leaders this question for their insights. From taking note of the company’s culture to asking about the dress code, there are several tips so you could dress for success.
Here are eight tips to determine what to wear to an interview:
- Pay Attention to Detail
- Confidence is Key
- Do your Homework
- Take Note of the Company Culture
- Play It Safe With a Crisp Style
- See What Others Wear to Work
- Check the Website for Details
- Ask for the Dress Code
Pay Attention to Detail
Remember that your interview outfit is more than just what you’re wearing; it’s also about your entire persona. As a result, pay close attention to the details. Make sure your hands and nails are clean, your hairstyle is neat, and you are wearing minimal makeup. Also, double-check that your chosen attire is clean, pressed, and free of loose threads at the seams.
Phillip Lew, C9 Staff
Confidence is Key
Interviews are a stressful part of the job search process. So, if you’ve landed an interview, congratulations! Your hard work has paid off so far. With that being said, my best interview tip is to dress in what makes you feel most confident. This may be dressing for the role you’ve always wanted, wearing something that shows off your personality, or anything that helps you radiate confidence. Portraying confidence shows that you believe in yourself and are ready for others to believe in you as well.
Adrian James, Markitors
Do your Homework
First and foremost, make sure that you get an understanding of the company dress code before you show up in the wrong attire. Step number one is to figure out if you’re showing up in a suit, slacks, or sandals (you never know). Dressing for your interview in accordance with the company’s dress code demonstrates that you’ve done your homework.
That said, don’t be afraid to express yourself with your choice of clothes! The whole purpose of an interview is for an employer to get a sense of who you are. It’s okay to leverage what you wear to help you do that. As a candidate your number one goal is to stand out from the rest and I believe what you wear is an underutilized way to accomplish that. You don’t have to be just another suit in the room. Add some flare, be you, and make a statement!
Zack McCarty, Qwick
Take Note of the Company Culture
One tip is gauging the culture of the company you’re applying to. Is it a startup with a casual vibe? Or is it a Fortune 500? Each of those has unique styles. That said, regardless of the company, you should always look your best and dress respectfully and professionally. If it’s an in-person interview, even if it’s a tech start-up, business casual is the least formal you should wear to an interview. For more formal interviews, dress in a full business suit and present your best self to your future employer.
Darren Litt, MarketerHire
Play It Safe With a Crisp Style
When in doubt stick with monotone colors and professional clothes. If the company allows business casuals, maybe drop the suit or overly formal dresses. If it is a start-up or a company accepting casual clothes, a clean and crisp pair of jeans might also work. It is always better to be dressed more professionally in a casual workplace than to be more casual in a corporate one. Remember to wear crisp, stylish and comfortable clothes, but not to go overboard with fashion or accessories.
Joe Flanagan, VelvetJobs
See What Others Wear to Work
Take a look at employee and executive photos on LinkedIn to get a feel for the corporate culture. Is it casual, or do you see formal business attire? You can also look at the Careers section of the employer website to get more ideas. In addition, it’s generally good practice to dress slightly more formal than usual for your interviews, as this shows that you’re taking a serious interest in the job.
Laura Smith-Proulx, An Expert Resume
Check the Website for Details
You want to fit the culture of the company who is hiring. A way to do that if you do not already know people working for that company, is go to their website and see how they present themselves and their staff in different positions. Also if you are not sure, dress less casual and more formal. Today that may mean wear a sport jacket and tie, or no tie. Be neat in your appearance, watch your posture, it effects your energy level and positive state of mind. Go for it!
Bob Ruotolo, Quantum Performance Institute
Ask for the Dress Code
It’s really simple, and not at all off putting, to ask for insights regarding a company dress culture. When scheduling the interview you can simply say, “I know some offices are formal and others are really casual these days. Can you give me an idea of what would be most appropriate for me to wear to the interview?” Asking means you won’t feel awkward when you walk into the office. Show that you’re confident, get the information you need and then your outfit won’t even be a factor in the interview.
Logan Mallory, Motivosity
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